Okla. Senate budget chair expects education boost

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — The chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee says an agreement on extra funding to help certain agencies finish the current fiscal year is expected to include about $8.5 million to help pay for teacher benefits.

Comment

By Associated Press

The Shawnee News-Star

By Associated Press

Posted Apr. 10, 2013 at 1:10 PM
Updated Apr 10, 2013 at 1:11 PM

By Associated Press

Posted Apr. 10, 2013 at 1:10 PM
Updated Apr 10, 2013 at 1:11 PM

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — The chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee says an agreement on extra funding to help certain agencies finish the current fiscal year is expected to include about $8.5 million to help pay for teacher benefits.

But Edmond Republican Sen. Clark Jolley said Wednesday the details still are being worked out and that an announcement on a deal likely may be made at the same time a broad budget agreement is reached.

Jolley says there's "no question" a supplemental budget deal will include money to pay for the rising cost of health benefits for teachers.

A $92.5 million supplemental funding agreement last year was announced in February, but Jolley says state leaders this year are considering supplemental funding in the context of next year's budget.